Maher: Match Told A Story Of National League Quality
Southend United manager Kevin Maher kept his heartbroken team out on the pitch after the Promotion Final to watch the Oldham players lift the trophy.
He wants it to drive his squad on next season after coming so close to promotion at Wembley.
The Shrimpers were within 29 minutes of a return to the EFL before going down 3-2 in extra time to Oldham Athletic.
He was proud of his players but said: "First and foremost what a spectacle it was for the National League.
"What we've all been through at this club, you shouldn't have to go through those sorts of things.
"When we reflect we should be proud as a football club to see how far we've come in such a short period of time - but it's pretty raw because as a professional you want to win."
He added: “When you take the lead in extra time it was the most comfortable we'd looked all game, they looked out of ideas.
“There were so many momentum shifts in the game. At 2-1 I thought we might go and get a third.
“I think everyone that goes up is more than competitive in League Two.
“This game tells you everything about the standard and quality in this league."
Where next?
